The only other time they had got the better of the Viola in the Coppa Italia was in 1986, but this was the first leg of the semi-final.

“I am happy for this goal, but even happier because it gave us a very important victory. We have an advantage and that can be important to reach the Final,” Colombian international Muriel told Rai Sport.

“I expected to start, but the Coach made this decision and I played with the same hunger as if I’d started.”

The second leg is at the StadioArtemioFranchi on Tuesday and Udinese have the lead, but Fiorentina can count on an away goal.

“Now there are another 90 minutes to reach the Final and the Europa League spot, which we care about a great deal.”

The other semi-final is between Roma and Napoli tomorrow night, so it is highly likely just reaching the Final would provide Udinese with Europa League qualification, as the other clubs are challenging for a Champions League place.